What is "comp"?

A partnership with the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Cooperative Outreach Music Program (COMP) provides students who have severe financial constraints with private music instruction on their instrument. Doing so allows them to keep up with the standards of excellence typical of middle and high school students who are enrolled in a music program and have access to private instruction.

​COMP was developed in the 1990’s to address the inequity that existed in our music programs around the issue of access. It became apparent that many students, primarily students of color, were dropping out of school music programs because they could not keep up with the standards of excellence due to a demonstrated lack of access to private lessons on their instrument.  

At that time, $3,000 was set aside in the Public Schools' music department budget to implement a program where students who had severe financial constraints could apply for and receive private music instruction on their instrument. 
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​The program struggled at first, but in the 2007-2008 school year, the School entered into a partnership with the Ann Arbor Public Schools, following our mission to provide access to music instruction to all — no matter their income.

COMP is now funded by the School and the Ann Arbor Public Schools through grants and individual donations.  Thanks to these generous contributions, we are able to provide qualifying COMP students weekly private tutor sessions with our talented School faculty at little to no cost and expand their experiences through The Bridge Project.

The School and AAPS have complemented each other, with a collaborative goal of both organizations to reach as many students as possible, leveling the playing field for all students who are serious and motivated to pursue music.

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